Following the federal government’s decision to restrict public life, it is now up to the cantonal police to enforce the guidelines. The Zurich authorities are appealing to the common sense of the population. «Everyone needs to understand that these measures are imperative. It’s not about police violence, »says Thomas Würgler, commander of the cantonal police and head of the new management team to deal with the corona crisis.
In the new ordinance of Monday, the federal government writes what sanctions await those who do not comply with the regulations on public and private events: those who deliberately oppose them face a fine or up to three years imprisonment.
Public groups prohibited
“It will not be the case that the police storm a bar today if it is still open at 5 past 12,” reassured the security officer Mario Fehr on Monday evening. Nevertheless, all measures will be consistently enforced by the police. This applies not only to the bar business, but also to groups of friends who, despite all the warnings, meet in public spaces. Fehr emphasizes: “It is also prohibited to stand together in larger groups and not to keep the appropriate distance.”
The police cannot control all of Zurich’s apartments, but they also insist on no celebrations there. There is no fixed upper limit, but it should be clear that, for example, four people have not yet chosen an event, said Mario Fehr. He goes on to say: “Those who do not abide by these rules act anti-social in such an extraordinary situation.”
Police should keep Zurich safe
During the current exceptional situation, the police will continue to guarantee public security. Police posts are not closed. Revolts in detention centers, such as those that occurred in Italy, are to be prevented by strict measures. And as a “systemically important group”, police officers now receive special childcare support so that they can continue to work.
Created: 3/16/2020, 10:05 PM
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